Happy New Year 🥳 Danny has learnt a good lesson that the purpose defines the bike, especially when there's a commute involved. Cool maybe good but it spoils the ride, and your experience when it doesn't give you what you want. Never try and fit into a style of biking, find the bike that suits your style of riding. Great video, and a good start to 2023.
Enjoyed that gents - we all go sensible in the end! I love my Custom Enfield and Speed Twin, and they are the bikes of choice for a sunny Sunday afternoon blat - but for everyday practicality it is always the BMW GS I choose for most rides.....Danny has nailed the reasons so many of us buy adventure bikes these days....your time will come Freddie (but get one as well as the Bonneville, not instead of....)
I thought this’d be the case for you (GS as the default choice)🙂 I do see why, and I am slowly coming round to the idea of a bike like this alongside the Bonneville. Everyone who owns a GS LOVES them!
@@FreddieDobbs Some riders move from classics to modern, practical ADVs in search of usability. Others eventually get tired of being just another dude on an ADV and go the other way to find some class, heritage and character. All valid paths, all part of the riding process. When you attain that level where you can afford to have your sunday cruiser and an everyday touring ADV, that's when you can really enjoy the whole menu.
I get the practicality of an adventure bike that has all those bells and whistles, but for me, my stripped back, super basic Street Twin has so much heart and simplicity. At its core, it’s an engine and two wheels. Nothing more, nothing less - that’s pure motorcycling.
Says who? Motorcycling is different things to different people. I ride motocross, do track days and ride on the road. Am I not a true motorcyclist partaking of real motorcycling because I don’t have a stripped back, basic bike?
These things are the SUVs of the bike world. It's hard to go back to other types when you get a fairing, a comfy seating position and the ability to crush miles on tarmac and dirt.
I’ve owned a number of very different bikes over the years and really understand where Danny is coming from. Also very impressed he got there so quickly. I start out on a CBR600F in the late 90’s and desired a Fireblade. I did 11k odd miles in 11months before crashing the CBR600. Then got an XT600E to get back on a bike with affordable insurance and the lure of possible green lane riding at the weekend. Then brought a Fireblade and kept the XT thinking I now had the best of both worlds. Sadly I only ever rode the Fireblade, so sold the XT. Fast forward 5-6 years and I’ve had a couple more Fireblades and then a CB1300F in an attempt to slow down and keep my licence. I have several good friends who have moved from sports bikes and hyper bikes to GS’s and all rave about the GS’s. The CB1300F is a good and very comfortable bike, but it doesn’t ignite anything within me, there’s no passion to go out and ride. I test ride a GS at a salesman’s insistence and within 10 miles I love it, but it’s 50% more money than a premium sports bike, so I walk away. It takes months of mulling things over to finally decide it’s the right move and in around 2008-2009 I purchase my first GS. Now in 2023 I am on my 3rd GS, because it truly does everything well. It can be loaded with luggage and tour with ease, and in the real world on poorly surfaced, twisting UK country roads it will give almost any bike a run for it’s money, while the rider sits in comfort. I am lucky and also own a second hand BMW RnineT, which I love, but in honesty hardly ever ride. I’m okay with that as it was half the price of a new one and had less than 4k miles on when I got it. The bike is a minter and goes out in nice weather and is the pure essence of motorcycling with nothing added, however if I’m popping out in a hurry or just want to get somewhere the GS is the bike that I take 90% of the time.
What a brilliant insight- I read every word with interest. Thank you so much for sharing this. I think the GS is just about the only bike that I’ve never heard one bad word against!
@@FreddieDobbs There was a period of time back in the early 2000's when a number of BMW single-sided swingarm models were having hub bearing failures. A couple of friends of mine experienced this, but it seems to have been sorted on newer models released in the last decade. So yeah, the current GS is functionally brilliant on the road and pretty much bullet proof.
I agree about the GS many of my friends have them, I even had one, but now they are just too ugly for a road bike. I say road bike, because 90% of GS's stay on the road. I don't know what all fuss is about with the so called adventure bikes, isn't every bike ride an adventure? Brink back touring bikes... Mile munchers that have style and good looks
This is a very thought provoking video and I really appreciate the balanced, open-minded way you approach the topic. Many others would have made this into divisive and mocking clickbait.
Nice vid ! I've been riding since 1988 and owned countless bikes. My advice to every new rider is always to first buy 'something cheap' and find out what you actually like.
But should not you buy multiple bikes to find it out? You can buy certain type of bike and like it without even knowing that you wouod like a different type of bike even more
Fascinating video, Danny is not hobbled by a biking past or rose tinted spectacles, so a thoroughly modern bike makes perfect sense. For me, my current bike (T120) is ridden through the lens of the seventeen year old who rode a succession of Triumphs (500/750 twins and a 750 triple) in the late seventies, hanging out with bikers and for work and courtship; reliving my youth? Yes, to a certain extent.
Interestingly I am a little taller at 6'2", have been riding 52 years, wanted a Harley-Davidson Slim but finally selected the Bonneville Bobber. I have different requirements though, my motorcycle is a retirement present, intended to never commute only cruise on sunny days. I also modified the Bobber with an improved rear shock, and rider floorboards with the more forward controls. There are no bad motorcycles, just the 'best suited to you ' bike.
Excellent video gents. I'm toying with moving from a litre sports bike to an adventure bike and I've fought myself with the decision for months, asking myself many of the questions that Danny has wrangled over. This video has made the decision for me, I'm ordering that Triumph Tiger when the dealer opens tomorrow. Thanks for a great video (and thanks for costing me thousands!!)
I’m delighted you found the video useful! I hope the Triumph dealer visit went well today- nothing more exciting than bike shopping and please do let me know how the ownership experience and transition to an Adv bike is!🙂
@@FreddieDobbs I actually ordered the bike! Sadly not getting delivered until May as they’re in very short supply - which probably says something about how popular they’re becoming - but massively excited. Hope the time passes quickly though!
I went from a Triumph Bonneville to a Honda Africa Twin and absolutely love it. I still have the Triumph and rode it to 13 states in 3 years. Now that I have the Honda I understand all the funny looks people we’re giving me on the Triumph when they learned I was nearly 2,000 miles from home.
Thanks for this! Danny has found himself in the same quandary as so many of us. I’ve been back and forth between a number of bike that could be considered “the perfect tool for the job” to “Gotta have it!” - Honda Sabre to CBR 600F3, Kawasaki Versys to Ninja 1000, Kawasaki Concours to Ducati Scrambler, Ducati Multistrada to Ducati SuperSport. I love my SuperSport, and if I could place it on a stand in my living room, I would do. But a new Versys 650 would get the nod most days if I really was going to put the miles down. I’ve added higher bars, hard saddlebags, a taller screen, heated grips, and it still wears me out more than I’d like when conditions aren’t perfect. Two bikes at once is really the way to go. When you just can’t justify it, the KTM or the like seems the business. But! Man, that Bonneville - and my SuperSport … such soul! 🤷🏼♂️
I completely relate to this. Been riding for a year, first big bike was a GSXR-600, I was uncomfortable, miserable, looking for excuses not to ride. Traded it for a Z750, things got a little better on the comfort front but again with no electronics or wind protection I just didn't have the passion to ride... I'm 25, still young, but I knew my dream bike was a 1200GSA...So I bought one...and i've never ridden so much:') can't get off it. Sod what anyone tells you to get, buy the bike you love and are going to ride the nuts off:)
Too funny… I’m mid 30s and used to ride a GSXR 750 and regret that style of bike. You can never get closed to using its potential (or if you are you’re borderline hospital bound) and got back into it last year and got a 2016 GS1200 Not the fastest. But wow. Still quick once you’re going and does everything so well. Corners remarkably! Wifey likes coming along. Buy what you NEED. Not necessarily what you WANT. Looking cool is overrated. You’ll use it more and make more memories. (And after 2 hours of riding it’s safer actually as you’re not completely cramped up and not able to react as quickly to something happening on the road). 👍🏼
This is the review that I've subconsciously been looking for. Very interesting. I think that the bottom line is that you can do anything with anything. It just comes down to how you want to do it and what your mindset is. Do you want/need all the gizmos to do what you are doing? Great, get them and enjoy them. Do you want/need that romantic vision in your mind? Great, get it and enjoy it. Whatever gets you through the night. I now understand why people get adventure bikes and enjoy them. And I think I have a better understanding of why I have what I've got, which is not an adventure bike. Perhaps in the future I'll have a different mindset and then I'll get something different. Each to their own and just love riding.
You can’t beat the practicality of an adventure bike but they always feel too good. Too comfortable, too sensible.. I don’t want my bike to feel like a car!
Hi , the KTM SEEMS TO FIT Danny, s life style , being married with children and his desire to ride a bike , 90 miles commute in all weathers . Enjoying him self earning a living for his family , on your side Freddie and Monika you enjoy your bike earning a living , but it comes over , that every day is a holiday adventure , that,s the enjoyment , you both give over , whilst were doing normal every day work and normal things , looking to escape . Don, t give up your day jobs you two , as us viewers may end up on Prozac . Have a great new year and keep the videos coming .👍👍👍😉
Beautifully well said- you’ve summed it up perfectly here👌🏻 Thank you for all of your support over the year- I hugely appreciate it and have a fantastic new year!🙂🎉
I had an Aprilia Tuono, was all the ‘passion’ anyone could want, other people would be super interested in it when parked etc, great cool factor. Then I had the epiphany one day on a long cold motorway ride home on the Aprilia, looking at riders on ADV bikes, they weren’t suffering at all. The Aprilia was phenomenal for about 30% of the time, max really. But the versatility of the KTM 1290 SAS (which I swapped it for), means it’s a tool for 100% of the time. For me it’s the versatility ADV provide that trump it. Carry passengers, luggage, any weather, any distance, enjoy every minute, hour, day. Couldn’t even entertain two up days on Tuono, let alone luggage and enjoying it after the 1st hour! Need a 2-bike-garage - ‘Passion’ and a ‘Tool’.
If I only had tons of extra money and a garage so I could buy multiple bikes... But unfortunately I have neither so I've had to settle for just a single bike 😄 I went from a Suzuki Savage 650 to a Yamaha Dragstar 1100 to a Harley Dyna, until I fell in love with naked bikes and got a Triumph Speed Triple RS. All those bikes had a cool factor, but I found myself not wanting to ride more than 150-200km a day because it was fatiguing. Then I found myself watching more and more adventure bike related stuff on RUclips and eventually traded my Triumph for a 2020 KTM Super Adventure S and I'll tell you, I've never been more excited to go for a long ride! I did around 2000km on the first two weeks including a trip to neighboring country and in the evenings never felt like I don't want to ride again the next morning. It's so powerful and nimble that I can have just as much fun doing aggressive stuff as with my Speed Triple, but it's also super comfortable for those long rides. AND I can also comfortably ride on unpaved roads and don't have to avoid them anymore. For sure the cool factor isn't as strong (and my wife keeps reminding me about that 😁) but it does everything else so well. And in my opinion the KTM is the least uncool of all the adv bikes, so there's that :)
Very interesting for someone (no longer a young man) who passed their test and got a Bonnie (a lot because of your fine work, sir!) and then used it to commute an hour on a Dual carriageway every day. It wasn't until I moved locations and had a much more suitable Bonnie commute that I realized how difficult I'd made things for myself...
Interesting vid. Its often a battle between owning a bike you really fancy and one that suits you. At 6ft 3 I would definitely fit a big adventure bike well. I still ride a super naked. Its difficult for new riders because often dealers won't give newly qualified or learners a test ride. The KTM is a wonderful bike but I would worry about all that tech keeping working out of warranty. Love the simplicity of the Bonneville, no buffeting from a screen. Just an engine and two wheels, easily fixed by a home mechanic. Happy New year
Happy new year to Monika and yourself Freddie. I reckon bikers change their bikes more often motorists and cars, I’ve currently convinced myself that I need a 1920’s flat tanker in my life, absolutely no idea why! Hats off to the blood bikers out there also, they provide an amazing and valuable service.
@@FreddieDobbs We hired and rode a Harley Street Glide through the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee back in 2018. It was a great bike to ride in the States, and I've owned non faired, big twins in UK. But right now, I wouldn't be on anything other than my Triumph Scrambler. It's great on the roads of our country, which ultimately, I think it (the modern classic range, including your Bonneville) was designed for.
@@johntruman6571Since buying a 21 T100 Ex-demo in May and riding 3.5k miles on it I think the term Roadster sums up the experience of riding a Bonnevile.
Really refreshing to hear Danny's experience. I've had a similar journey going from a RE Interceptor to a BMW F900XR - function over form. Hope to see Danny on the channel again in future!
function over form? I wouldn't totally agree there.. back in the seventies/eighties that style of bike was just a normal 'do it all' bike.. can't deny that off road capabilities can't compare though
@@clausentumsoton Perhaps function over form is too strong as my Interceptor could do everything the BMW can do. The BMW is easier, more comfortable, more practical and less fatiguing but essentially they do the same job.
Great subject! All depends on the style of riding you’re into. Danny started off with a look at me bike, then the Harley for looks and lifestyle, but he really wanted to do the 100mile commute so he eventually found the perfect bike for that. I’m a Sunday rider so it’s a GSX1400 for me😍
Came from Harley and Indian cruisers to a BMW Sport Tourer to now a BMW adventure motorcycles. There is no comparison other than they both have two wheels and an engine. Adventure motorcycles are superior in every practical way. I have no intention of ever owning another cruiser of any kind. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Now I know what a great motorcycle is and what it can do I am never going back to Ok 👌, good enough or not bad.
A very interesting (as always from Freddie!) article, especially to hear what Danny had to say and why. This summer I‘d have been riding motorcycles for 50 years which at the end of the day you‘re left with asking yourself the following questions; What do you intend to do with the motorcycle? 1) Just commuting? 2) Day Trips only ? 3) Weekends? 4) Holidays for at least a week ? Sure, an Adventure motorcycle can tick all these boxes. Following this there’s then what that bike should cost. These were the questions I asked back in my days as a motorcycle salesman in a showroom. I‘m lucky (and privileged) to have got to the stage of possessing 3 bikes, a TW125 for town, shopping and commuting whilst my 97 Vfr750f comes out for the long distance stuff. Me 72 BSA 650 is off the road cos she hardly got ridden. Maybe some of us are able to have a second bike as Danny mentioned but, it’s easy to see why nowadays the Adventure bikes have literally become a „Jack of all Trades.“
I had a similar process but mine was seven years plus in the making. I was dreaming of a retro bike back in 2015, and ultimately bought a used 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, I replaced that in 2017 with a 2013 Harley Davidson Sportster Custom XL1200C, I bought a second HD in 2019 with a 2016 Dyna Street Bob TC103 (sold in 2020) and kept the Sportster. Owner two bikes where not for me. Anyways long story short this past November I bought a 2020 Ducati Multistrada 950S. I have been pondering adv-bikes the last two / three years for the versatility and do it all purpose.
Danny’s experience should be a lesson to anyone who is considering their first motorcycle purchase. Contemplate what use you require from the motorcycle, then have a decent test ride. Do not compromise. I’m not certain that even now Danny has the best bike for his purpose, but I guess only he can answer that one. It just goes to show that if an intelligent, sensible guy like Danny can get it wrong at first, then anyone can.
If I wasn't clear in my mind, this particularly video just set it off! Great and honestly video from Danny. Super clear and easy to understand. Thanks Freddie for the time you spend with those amazing reviews you make. Cheers and a Happy new year to everyone, best regards from Lisbon, Portugal.
Adventure bikes are brilliant, I am on my 6th BMW GS since 2005, currently a 2021 BMW 1250 GS TE - I also have a 2017 matte black Triumph Thruxton 1200 R in the garage because it is the best 'feel good' bike ever. The bikes are polar opposites, but that is what is so great about motorcycles.
Just about to post something similar when I saw this - I too have a GS & a Thruxton. The perfect combination & personal answer to ‘the quandary’. Can’t tell you which is my favourite as both so different. I do realise what a lucky man I am, but if you can afford it, do it! Biker heaven.
Hey Freddie. Just so happens I have 2022 Street Twin AND a 2021 Tiger 900. Love them both and they are a great pair of bikes to own and choose from given the purpose of the ride and my preference for the day.
Thanks Freddie and thanks to Danny too. I’m wrestling with GS ownership and yearning for something more traditional. Practically though, the GS is my KTM, I can ride in whatever and not worry about the upkeep.. happy new year all, ride safe and support your local blood bike group.
Congratulations for this video! It truly is the great battle between having the soul of the classics and the comfort, versatility and technology of the adventures. Have a great year 🤘🏼
I completely understand where Danny is coming from. I had a 2021 KTM 1290 SAS up until a couple of months ago and absolutely loved it. The only downside, and this is personal to me, is that with a 29" inseam and being into moto camping, as soon as I got on uneven ground the height and weight of the bike conspired against me. Now missing the KTM whilst enjoying my F750GS. Hope 2023 is a good year for you and Monica.
Same here. I love the look and capability of the KTM 1290SA but being a shortie they are a no-no. I don't think KTM does a low seat version. BMW does one for it's 1250GS, but I really don't want a GS.
Great video guys, thank you. I’m currently facing this dilemma with an R Nine T that I love but miss the wanting to stay on the bike all day and travel far and wide. Decision made, its an Adventure bike in 2023 👍
A good discussion. There is no wrong bike, because there is the right bike for everyone. The passion and spirit of motorcycling unites us motorcyclists. Happy New Year and good and safe rides 2023.
Great video Freddie and Happy New Year! Between you and Danny, that was an eloquent presentation about why, for many, functional rideability wins out over cool styling. As I recall, Danny didn't say anything negative about the Softail, only that when the 2019 KTM was alongside, he rode out the KTM far more often. Out of interest, what was Danny's reason for carrying a second helmet?
Greetings from down under. Looking forward with great enthusiasm to all your adventures this year. You,ve both kept me wonderfully entertained during 2022. Hoping you have a lovely 2023. Thankyou.
Nice comparison of the two bikes and it shows how each bike is down to requirements of rider. But noone is going to take a second glance at the KTM on the road. I like that people look at and comment on my Bonnie! 😁
Excellent video Freddie. Great insight into an owner's thoughts about his adventure bike. Thanks Danny. It would have been interesting to hear whether Danny would be prepared to take his pride of joy off road, to get the full experience!! Happy New Year to you and Monica. Take care.
I'm glad he found his motorcycle category ! But for me , if I want to be cocooned and sheltered from the weather , and ride in comfort , I'll take the car. I myself have done 7 hour rides on my SV 650 and the comfort was okay I guess , I didn't care much about it , I was thinking about hitting the next corner . But maby that will change with age , I'm only 23 . Also, happy new year :)
Hi I sold my 2020 HD Street Glide Special 114ci and bought a HD Pan America Special 1250S for exactly the reasons Danny stated,the adventure bike soaks up everything that is thrown at it and then some. Thanks for the great vids keep up the good work.
You are actually a very good interviewer Freddie, I think you should do a bit more of that here and there 👍 This was a great video and shows a struggle many of us have. But you know what, it's actually fairly simple to answer. What do you value more, the comfort or the genuine adventure? And do you have enough ££ for 2 bikes (not many of us do!) I disagree with James on the last point, the bike is 100% part of the journey for me. They are inextricably linked. I commute to London from the South Coast 1-2 times a week, 2hrs each way on my RE Classic 500 EFI. Do i get soaked? Yes. Does it rattle my bones? Yes. But.. when summer hits there is no other way I want to travel than through the South downs on a Royal Enfield. Many of our lives are too comfortable.. from desk chair to the sofa, I don't want to ride a sofa with sports mode in-between even if the ol'twig and berries get a little chilly during the winter rides.. To help me in the winter I installed some hot grips, a USB charger, some Himyalian Wind Hand guards, some heated socks, some thermals and a dry suit. I stay dry and warm (ish 😆) now..but most importantly my soul is kept alive. And, I have become an infinitely better rider from having to ride in all seasons, all weathers knowing the only thing I can rely on is the sound and feel of the bike. Keep the great content coming ✌️🤍
Interestingly, I followed a similar path modern classic, to cruiser, to ADV- but ultimately went back to a cruiser from an ADV, because I missed that sense of style and character.
Happy New Year Freddie. I know a couple of Blood Bikers in the North West (Blackpool area). Great video and nicely informative as usual. Danny seems a decent guy and I hope he makes more appearances on your channel. I agree about bikers swapping machines far more often that car owners.. In the past 7 years I have owned 13 bikes (including 3 BMW 1200GS’s).. I have now settled back onto a 2008 Suzuki GSX1400 FE (Final Edition). Its my favourite all round bike.. Keep up the good work on your channel Best wishes, S.
Good morning and happy new year, I've only recently become a viewer to your channel (sorry, but better late than never) and I have to say it's excellent (actually it was a comment by TMF who put me on to you). As a rider with many many years of experience I wouldn't normally recommend that a relatively new rider have such big bikes straight away but Danny is obviously a sensible logical chap who is gaining massive experience every day so he'll be fine, anyway great vlog, I shall now hunt out more of your stuff.
I have been riding an Africa Twin for the last two years. It's good, reliable etc. Yesterday I rode for the first time after a decade my Ducati ST2, only 40 kilometers but packed with grinning, joy and emotions.
Great video Freddie, an interesting conundrum when you have different needs, and different requirements that can change your perspective and inform your choices of bike
I came from H-D's, my previous being a Streetglide from which I moved to a Pan American. Having finally rejected the PA, I chose the KTM1290SAS and haven't regretted it for one moment. IN my 50+ years of bike riding in one form and another including professionally, it is simply the best bike I have owned and enjoyed in equal measure. I suspect it could be a keeper until the day I hang my boots up......
Happy New Year to you and Monika Freddie. Thanks also to Danny for sharing his journey. Having owned and ridden all sorts of bikes over the years (sports bikes Classic Z1000s and 900s, old Meriden Triumphs. I'm now riding a Triumph 2010 Scrambler. So not so different from your 2010 Bonneville. Ultimately, these days I prefer the simplicity and the sheer, basic pleasure of a modern classic, riding with my wife Els on her 2012 T100 Bonneville. The problem with motorcyles is that there will always be something different / better out there. Freddie, you seem so at home on your Bonneville. Please don't give up on it too lightly. I think you may regret it...
I've got a 2019 Multistrada 1260, and a 2006 triumph scrambler with carbs. I ride the bike I'm in the mood for that day depending on the destination and who I'm riding with. The scrambler is very much a day out on my own with no schedule to keep type bike. It stirs the soul. The Multi is just a Fantastic modern machine that gets the job done. Lucky to have both in the garage :-)
@@FreddieDobbs it really is the best all round bike. I do love cruisers and I have an older 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero (Harley killer) that I use if I want to take my wife cruising. But 90 percent of the time I use the KTM .
This really depends on your riding style. I started on dirt bikes in my pre-teens to mid teens, went to 4 cyl Honda street bikes (CB750), the to into sport bikes from 20's until mid 40's, went to Adventure bikes 1000cc up, went to a Road King Harley in my late 50's (Hated it) and now @ 61 back to a KTM 1290GT which I absolutely love. and a Beta 500rrs for dirt which is also fabulous. I think this combo is my happy place 😀
Thanks for your videos 📹, my husband and I love your RUclips channel and watch every episode. My husband has had bikes since the 70ties and I have been pillion on many trips including route 66 and north west 500, nothing like a bike trip. Even for a coffee ☕️. We wish yourself and Monika a happy and healthy New year ✨️ 😊
Thank you both for watching the videos, Debra🙂 You’ve listed two of my dream biking trips here- I must do the NC500 this year! Happy New Year to you both!🥂
This became a more interesting video than i thought because it touches on most of our dilemmas! the cool vs the use! In my case, i dream on start biking, as much as i dream having a bonnie, inside me comes that side, if i even like it or its what i eventually like ride on...
Great vid Fred as someone who is 6.1 I tried many new bikes but just couldn't find them comfortable.so in the end I went for a gs1200.And I don't regret one minute of it.
This was brilliant guys. Happy new year!! Bikes are horses for courses. And some cool-looking soul bikes look great until you see people sitting on them. And riding them. Just buy the bike that works for you, no matter the size, style, or make.
Hi Freddie, thanks for the great content you're doing a top job! I have a KTM Super Adventure (2017) which I absolutely adore as I ride all year round and its my everything vehicle. I'm actually thinking of adding a Royal Enfield or Triumph Street twin to my garage this year, as I want something simpler for sunny days out. Like your friend, I don't thi k I could give up the supreme comfort and power of the KTM, but at the same time I don't look down on objectively 'lesser' bikes at all. To me, ALL bikes offer unique experiences, and isn't it wonderful that as bikers, our 'dream' bikes are only ever a few grand away? Amazing.
Great video Freddy! Given the history of that area and the many fine young men who didn't make it home to the airfield during WW2, I was fascinated by that eerie green light that materialized from behind Danny's rear wheel. Have a look from about the 13:40 mark. I reckon there just may have been a young bloke from 1942 who was keen to hang out with a couple of motorcyclists!🙂
Monika and I noticed this- we’ve never seen a light like this before and we could not explain what it was! This light showed itself only at this specific period all day and has not appeared since on any filming we’ve done😳
There's so many types of bikes for lots of different bikers. There is another one out there for you Freddie or maybe two, or three ..................... You could possibly keep your Bonneville as I hope you don't mind me saying there is probably not a lot of value in it and it is probably worth more to you then some one else although I might be wrong. Thanks for making this video and to Danny for sharing his thoughts so candidly on his relatively new biking journey. I did initially have concerns for him riding such a powerful bike as the KTM 1290SA so soon after passing his test but he seems like a very sensible down to earth guy. Good luck to him. Enjoy it. I was looking at and sitting on a very comfortable Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro at a Triumph dealer just before Christmas wondering if I should trade in my Speed Triple RS which I love, for the Tiger? Those that ride them aren't wrong! Happy New Year to you and Monica.
You’re absolutely right, Alex- there is very little value left in my Bonneville (it’s a weirdly liberating feeling!). The Tiger 900 GT Pro; I hear only superb stuff about this bike! Happy NY, Alex😀🎉
Freddie happy new year! This video spoke to my heart. Chris went through the same bike types I did and ended up on the one that I ordered for 2023. The KTM is amazing all rounder and brings a smile all the time. I thought I was the only one that sold an HD to buy a KTM. I can’t agree more, the KTM is the perfect bike for us tall riders. Now time to lose my additional weight and get one more HD to admire in the garage 😂
I had a similar journey. Learnt to ride during 2020 after lockdown. I bought as a first bike a new Indian FTR1200S which now seems insane to me, but thankfully, it all worked out ok! However, the range of 100 miles just wasn't enough and it had virtually no capacity for carrying luggage. So this year I test rode a few adventure bikes and bought the new Tiger 1200 GT Explorer and I use it all the time because it's just so fast and versatile. However, I couldn't bear to part with the FTR because it's so bonkers and looks amazing, so I kept that. The Indian is now the bike I take out for a blast and the Triumph does everything else. Roll on spring.
Yes, the real tank is under the seat and is tiny! Thanks for all your (and Monicas!) hard work, the Missus and I love your vids. If you want to review an FTR or a new Tiger and can get to Kent you'd be more than welcome to borrow for a couple of days.
Happy New Year Freddieand Monica a very interesting episode with Danny . The story couldn’t be more true to my own experience . I’ve come from a Bonneville street scrambler to a Tiger 900 . This adventure bike has given me so much more riding skills and ventures to participate . I appreciate every rider has different appreciations . I miss the Bonneville and it’s rewards but would have to be a second bike now in the garage . Hope to see you with Danny again exchanging experiences .
Very interesting. To each their own. I think we all go through our own motorcycle journey and end ip in our own place. For me it's about low speed low tech big mile travel. I need to be able to fix it if it ever breaks and take it wherever I want. But that's just me. Ride your own dream. If you've never been I can heartily recommend the Norfolk and Suffolk aviation museum. It's an amazing place. Happy New year and happy, safe travels 👍
Danny said it best with the adventure comes from the ride, not the bike you're riding. After 13 years of riding my FZ6 I decided it was time for a new bike. I use my motorcycle for primary year round transportation and really wanted to go with a standard modern classic since it was the style of bike I always loved. After 2 years of hard research and soul searching I ended up getting a Suzuki DR650 set up for adventure touring, 😆. The DR still has an old school feel, is simple to maintain like a classic and is just way better for all the things I use a motorcycle for. It does lack the everyone look at you cool factor though 😆. It takes me on great adventures to places I would never have felt comfortable taking a modern classic. Keep in mind this is coming from someone that lives in the Western US where there is lots of back country to explore.
Hi Freddie iv got a BMW R1250gsa and I wear the same styling clothes you have the vintage look, noce jeans, gloves and jackets and it looks great on the bike. You can ride an adventure bike and ride stylish clothes at the same time. I agree with all Danny comments I started with a T120 bonneville loved it but I'd never go back now unless as Danny said it would one day be an addition.
I’m fortunate enough to have a 2017 T100 and a 2021 Tiger 900 GT Pro, I love both bikes but for different reasons (I came to the Tiger from a 2019 BMW R1250 GS). Several times a year a take myself off on a tour somewhere, recently it was to Cumbria and it rained everyday, at the time I had the BMW and it was that trip that I realised, for me the GS is just to big. I love the the Bonneville for those Sunday rides with friends who seldom reach the National speed limits. Although, it is a fully equipped Bonneville, with luxuries like heated grips and Cruise Control. 😊
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you & Monica. (Also - loving my Christmas Present: Ride & Sons jacket from your mates at XL Moto - wasn't really aware of them till you started on about them 😉
Best wishes and a happy new year Freddy and Monica ❤️ thank you for your wonderful vidoes its so much appreciated, so please keep it going, greetings from the Netherlands ❤️❤️🙏
Music, old amplifier, Dolby atmos, really good examples. Am also in same boat as Danny. Instead of adjusting to a motorcycle i always wanted to get one which suits me. Now holding the ground with honda CB500X it almost tick ever box. Happy New Year. 😊
Hi Freddie! Jason Andrewes here from Alberta Canada. Really enjoy your quality content. 2 days ago I just bought a 2022 T100 goldline!!!! Happy new year to you and Monika.
Happy New Year 🥳 Danny has learnt a good lesson that the purpose defines the bike, especially when there's a commute involved. Cool maybe good but it spoils the ride, and your experience when it doesn't give you what you want. Never try and fit into a style of biking, find the bike that suits your style of riding. Great video, and a good start to 2023.
I’ll pin this comment- very well said, Dale🙌🏻 Happy New Year!
Enjoyed that gents - we all go sensible in the end! I love my Custom Enfield and Speed Twin, and they are the bikes of choice for a sunny Sunday afternoon blat - but for everyday practicality it is always the BMW GS I choose for most rides.....Danny has nailed the reasons so many of us buy adventure bikes these days....your time will come Freddie (but get one as well as the Bonneville, not instead of....)
I thought this’d be the case for you (GS as the default choice)🙂 I do see why, and I am slowly coming round to the idea of a bike like this alongside the Bonneville. Everyone who owns a GS LOVES them!
@@FreddieDobbsI’d love to see you do a subs rides and ride a few of Andy’s bikes
@@FreddieDobbs Some riders move from classics to modern, practical ADVs in search of usability. Others eventually get tired of being just another dude on an ADV and go the other way to find some class, heritage and character. All valid paths, all part of the riding process. When you attain that level where you can afford to have your sunday cruiser and an everyday touring ADV, that's when you can really enjoy the whole menu.
I get the practicality of an adventure bike that has all those bells and whistles, but for me, my stripped back, super basic Street Twin has so much heart and simplicity. At its core, it’s an engine and two wheels. Nothing more, nothing less - that’s pure motorcycling.
Says who? Motorcycling is different things to different people. I ride motocross, do track days and ride on the road. Am I not a true motorcyclist partaking of real motorcycling because I don’t have a stripped back, basic bike?
@@3000ralphie nope, just giving my opinion of on matter! Chill dude, motorcycling is whatever you want it to be.
These things are the SUVs of the bike world. It's hard to go back to other types when you get a fairing, a comfy seating position and the ability to crush miles on tarmac and dirt.
I’ve owned a number of very different bikes over the years and really understand where Danny is coming from. Also very impressed he got there so quickly. I start out on a CBR600F in the late 90’s and desired a Fireblade. I did 11k odd miles in 11months before crashing the CBR600. Then got an XT600E to get back on a bike with affordable insurance and the lure of possible green lane riding at the weekend. Then brought a Fireblade and kept the XT thinking I now had the best of both worlds. Sadly I only ever rode the Fireblade, so sold the XT. Fast forward 5-6 years and I’ve had a couple more Fireblades and then a CB1300F in an attempt to slow down and keep my licence. I have several good friends who have moved from sports bikes and hyper bikes to GS’s and all rave about the GS’s. The CB1300F is a good and very comfortable bike, but it doesn’t ignite anything within me, there’s no passion to go out and ride. I test ride a GS at a salesman’s insistence and within 10 miles I love it, but it’s 50% more money than a premium sports bike, so I walk away. It takes months of mulling things over to finally decide it’s the right move and in around 2008-2009 I purchase my first GS. Now in 2023 I am on my 3rd GS, because it truly does everything well. It can be loaded with luggage and tour with ease, and in the real world on poorly surfaced, twisting UK country roads it will give almost any bike a run for it’s money, while the rider sits in comfort. I am lucky and also own a second hand BMW RnineT, which I love, but in honesty hardly ever ride. I’m okay with that as it was half the price of a new one and had less than 4k miles on when I got it. The bike is a minter and goes out in nice weather and is the pure essence of motorcycling with nothing added, however if I’m popping out in a hurry or just want to get somewhere the GS is the bike that I take 90% of the time.
What a brilliant insight- I read every word with interest. Thank you so much for sharing this. I think the GS is just about the only bike that I’ve never heard one bad word against!
@@FreddieDobbs There was a period of time back in the early 2000's when a number of BMW single-sided swingarm models were having hub bearing failures. A couple of friends of mine experienced this, but it seems to have been sorted on newer models released in the last decade. So yeah, the current GS is functionally brilliant on the road and pretty much bullet proof.
Thank you for the expertise 👍
Yep! 😂
I just posted a similar comment. This is most of us! Cheers …
I agree about the GS many of my friends have them, I even had one, but now they are just too ugly for a road bike. I say road bike, because 90% of GS's stay on the road. I don't know what all fuss is about with the so called adventure bikes, isn't every bike ride an adventure? Brink back touring bikes... Mile munchers that have style and good looks
One of the best videos I have ever seen --- the dialogue between the two of you is at another level. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Chris!🙂🙌🏻
This is a very thought provoking video and I really appreciate the balanced, open-minded way you approach the topic. Many others would have made this into divisive and mocking clickbait.
I’m delighted you enjoyed it, thank you Joe🙂
great to hear this as it’s hard to decide, i want one now guys for the all the gadgets and comfort
What a fantastically honest appraisal of different bikes & mistakes made whilst trying to find the right fit for the right job
Happy New Year Freddie & Monica, thanks for enjoying us in 2022 and hopefully in 2023! Take care
Happy New Year!🎉🎉
Nice vid ! I've been riding since 1988 and owned countless bikes. My advice to every new rider is always to first buy 'something cheap' and find out what you actually like.
But should not you buy multiple bikes to find it out? You can buy certain type of bike and like it without even knowing that you wouod like a different type of bike even more
The stories come from the ride, not the bike. So well put.
Fascinating video, Danny is not hobbled by a biking past or rose tinted spectacles, so a thoroughly modern bike makes perfect sense. For me, my current bike (T120) is ridden through the lens of the seventeen year old who rode a succession of Triumphs (500/750 twins and a 750 triple) in the late seventies, hanging out with bikers and for work and courtship; reliving my youth? Yes, to a certain extent.
Superb insight🙂🖤🏍
Interestingly I am a little taller at 6'2", have been riding 52 years, wanted a Harley-Davidson Slim but finally selected the Bonneville Bobber. I have different requirements though, my motorcycle is a retirement present, intended to never commute only cruise on sunny days. I also modified the Bobber with an improved rear shock, and rider floorboards with the more forward controls. There are no bad motorcycles, just the 'best suited to you ' bike.
Excellent video gents. I'm toying with moving from a litre sports bike to an adventure bike and I've fought myself with the decision for months, asking myself many of the questions that Danny has wrangled over. This video has made the decision for me, I'm ordering that Triumph Tiger when the dealer opens tomorrow.
Thanks for a great video (and thanks for costing me thousands!!)
I’m delighted you found the video useful! I hope the Triumph dealer visit went well today- nothing more exciting than bike shopping and please do let me know how the ownership experience and transition to an Adv bike is!🙂
@@FreddieDobbs I actually ordered the bike! Sadly not getting delivered until May as they’re in very short supply - which probably says something about how popular they’re becoming - but massively excited. Hope the time passes quickly though!
I went from a Triumph Bonneville to a Honda Africa Twin and absolutely love it. I still have the Triumph and rode it to 13 states in 3 years. Now that I have the Honda I understand all the funny looks people we’re giving me on the Triumph when they learned I was nearly 2,000 miles from home.
Haha very interesting- I love this insight!🇺🇸🏍🤘🏼🙂
Mega stuff! Keep bringing Danny every so often.
Thanks for this! Danny has found himself in the same quandary as so many of us. I’ve been back and forth between a number of bike that could be considered “the perfect tool for the job” to “Gotta have it!” - Honda Sabre to CBR 600F3, Kawasaki Versys to Ninja 1000, Kawasaki Concours to Ducati Scrambler, Ducati Multistrada to Ducati SuperSport. I love my SuperSport, and if I could place it on a stand in my living room, I would do. But a new Versys 650 would get the nod most days if I really was going to put the miles down. I’ve added higher bars, hard saddlebags, a taller screen, heated grips, and it still wears me out more than I’d like when conditions aren’t perfect. Two bikes at once is really the way to go. When you just can’t justify it, the KTM or the like seems the business. But! Man, that Bonneville - and my SuperSport … such soul!
🤷🏼♂️
What a mix you’ve had!! And agreed on that re the Bonnie and Ducati🙂🎶🎶
I completely relate to this. Been riding for a year, first big bike was a GSXR-600, I was uncomfortable, miserable, looking for excuses not to ride. Traded it for a Z750, things got a little better on the comfort front but again with no electronics or wind protection I just didn't have the passion to ride... I'm 25, still young, but I knew my dream bike was a 1200GSA...So I bought one...and i've never ridden so much:') can't get off it. Sod what anyone tells you to get, buy the bike you love and are going to ride the nuts off:)
Too funny… I’m mid 30s and used to ride a GSXR 750 and regret that style of bike. You can never get closed to using its potential (or if you are you’re borderline hospital bound) and got back into it last year and got a 2016 GS1200
Not the fastest. But wow. Still quick once you’re going and does everything so well. Corners remarkably! Wifey likes coming along.
Buy what you NEED. Not necessarily what you WANT. Looking cool is overrated. You’ll use it more and make more memories. (And after 2 hours of riding it’s safer actually as you’re not completely cramped up and not able to react as quickly to something happening on the road).
👍🏼
This is the review that I've subconsciously been looking for. Very interesting. I think that the bottom line is that you can do anything with anything. It just comes down to how you want to do it and what your mindset is. Do you want/need all the gizmos to do what you are doing? Great, get them and enjoy them. Do you want/need that romantic vision in your mind? Great, get it and enjoy it. Whatever gets you through the night.
I now understand why people get adventure bikes and enjoy them. And I think I have a better understanding of why I have what I've got, which is not an adventure bike. Perhaps in the future I'll have a different mindset and then I'll get something different. Each to their own and just love riding.
You can’t beat the practicality of an adventure bike but they always feel too good. Too comfortable, too sensible.. I don’t want my bike to feel like a car!
I guarantee you that a KTM1290 doesn't feel like a car.
I got a cb500x and first thought that came to me was how it reminded me of a car just by how smooth it is, little maintenance involved, posture
@@erocnw1341😂
@@erocnw1341 I agree, mine is by far the best and most exciting bike I have ever ridden never mind owned.
Hi , the KTM SEEMS TO FIT Danny, s life style , being married with children and his desire to ride a bike , 90 miles commute in all weathers . Enjoying him self earning a living for his family , on your side Freddie and Monika you enjoy your bike earning a living , but it comes over , that every day is a holiday adventure , that,s the enjoyment , you both give over , whilst were doing normal every day work and normal things , looking to escape . Don, t give up your day jobs you two , as us viewers may end up on Prozac . Have a great new year and keep the videos coming .👍👍👍😉
Beautifully well said- you’ve summed it up perfectly here👌🏻
Thank you for all of your support over the year- I hugely appreciate it and have a fantastic new year!🙂🎉
Awesome video and awesome content can’t wait for the next video Thank’s Freddie and Monika
I had an Aprilia Tuono, was all the ‘passion’ anyone could want, other people would be super interested in it when parked etc, great cool factor. Then I had the epiphany one day on a long cold motorway ride home on the Aprilia, looking at riders on ADV bikes, they weren’t suffering at all. The Aprilia was phenomenal for about 30% of the time, max really. But the versatility of the KTM 1290 SAS (which I swapped it for), means it’s a tool for 100% of the time. For me it’s the versatility ADV provide that trump it. Carry passengers, luggage, any weather, any distance, enjoy every minute, hour, day. Couldn’t even entertain two up days on Tuono, let alone luggage and enjoying it after the 1st hour! Need a 2-bike-garage - ‘Passion’ and a ‘Tool’.
Fantastic insight, really appreciate the input!
If I only had tons of extra money and a garage so I could buy multiple bikes... But unfortunately I have neither so I've had to settle for just a single bike 😄 I went from a Suzuki Savage 650 to a Yamaha Dragstar 1100 to a Harley Dyna, until I fell in love with naked bikes and got a Triumph Speed Triple RS. All those bikes had a cool factor, but I found myself not wanting to ride more than 150-200km a day because it was fatiguing. Then I found myself watching more and more adventure bike related stuff on RUclips and eventually traded my Triumph for a 2020 KTM Super Adventure S and I'll tell you, I've never been more excited to go for a long ride! I did around 2000km on the first two weeks including a trip to neighboring country and in the evenings never felt like I don't want to ride again the next morning. It's so powerful and nimble that I can have just as much fun doing aggressive stuff as with my Speed Triple, but it's also super comfortable for those long rides. AND I can also comfortably ride on unpaved roads and don't have to avoid them anymore.
For sure the cool factor isn't as strong (and my wife keeps reminding me about that 😁) but it does everything else so well. And in my opinion the KTM is the least uncool of all the adv bikes, so there's that :)
Very interesting for someone (no longer a young man) who passed their test and got a Bonnie (a lot because of your fine work, sir!) and then used it to commute an hour on a Dual carriageway every day. It wasn't until I moved locations and had a much more suitable Bonnie commute that I realized how difficult I'd made things for myself...
Interesting vid. Its often a battle between owning a bike you really fancy and one that suits you. At 6ft 3 I would definitely fit a big adventure bike well. I still ride a super naked.
Its difficult for new riders because often dealers won't give newly qualified or learners a test ride.
The KTM is a wonderful bike but I would worry about all that tech keeping working out of warranty.
Love the simplicity of the Bonneville, no buffeting from a screen. Just an engine and two wheels, easily fixed by a home mechanic.
Happy New year
Happy new year to Monika and yourself Freddie. I reckon bikers change their bikes more often motorists and cars, I’ve currently convinced myself that I need a 1920’s flat tanker in my life, absolutely no idea why! Hats off to the blood bikers out there also, they provide an amazing and valuable service.
Happy New Year, Stuart🙂 I know the feeling as I’ve pretty much convinced myself that I need a Harley Street Glide! Well said re the Blood Bikers🩸
Doesn’t everybody need one of those? Sounds like a fine idea to me.
@@FreddieDobbs We hired and rode a Harley Street Glide through the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee back in 2018. It was a great bike to ride in the States, and I've owned non faired, big twins in UK. But right now, I wouldn't be on anything other than my Triumph Scrambler. It's great on the roads of our country, which ultimately, I think it (the modern classic range, including your Bonneville) was designed for.
@@johntruman6571Since buying a 21 T100 Ex-demo in May and riding 3.5k miles on it I think the term Roadster sums up the experience of riding a Bonnevile.
Great discussion, great comparison
and great fun!
Nice job on the video!
Really refreshing to hear Danny's experience. I've had a similar journey going from a RE Interceptor to a BMW F900XR - function over form. Hope to see Danny on the channel again in future!
function over form? I wouldn't totally agree there.. back in the seventies/eighties that style of bike was just a normal 'do it all' bike.. can't deny that off road capabilities can't compare though
@@clausentumsoton Perhaps function over form is too strong as my Interceptor could do everything the BMW can do. The BMW is easier, more comfortable, more practical and less fatiguing but essentially they do the same job.
Great subject! All depends on the style of riding you’re into. Danny started off with a look at me bike, then the Harley for looks and lifestyle, but he really wanted to do the 100mile commute so he eventually found the perfect bike for that. I’m a Sunday rider so it’s a GSX1400 for me😍
Came from Harley and Indian cruisers to a BMW Sport Tourer to now a BMW adventure motorcycles. There is no comparison other than they both have two wheels and an engine.
Adventure motorcycles are superior in every practical way. I have no intention of ever owning another cruiser of any kind. I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
Now I know what a great motorcycle is and what it can do I am never going back to Ok 👌, good enough or not bad.
Great video to start off 2023
Thanks Malcolm🙌🏻 Have a great day!
A very interesting (as always from Freddie!) article, especially to hear what Danny had to say and why.
This summer I‘d have been riding motorcycles for 50 years which at the end of the day you‘re left with asking yourself the following questions;
What do you intend to do with the motorcycle?
1) Just commuting?
2) Day Trips only ?
3) Weekends?
4) Holidays for at least a week ?
Sure, an Adventure motorcycle can tick all these boxes.
Following this there’s then what that bike should cost. These were the questions I asked back in my days as a motorcycle salesman in a showroom.
I‘m lucky (and privileged) to have got to the stage of possessing 3 bikes, a TW125 for town, shopping and commuting whilst my 97 Vfr750f comes out for the long distance stuff.
Me 72 BSA 650 is off the road cos she hardly got ridden.
Maybe some of us are able to have a second bike as Danny mentioned but, it’s easy to see why nowadays the Adventure bikes have literally become a „Jack of all Trades.“
A nice deep dive into bikes and there difference between cars! Good one Freddie!
What a beautiful video to start the year with ! Thank you ! And i wish you all the best for 2023 ! Greetings from Belgium
Thank you Bjorn, sending all my best!🙂🇧🇪
I had a similar process but mine was seven years plus in the making. I was dreaming of a retro bike back in 2015, and ultimately bought a used 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, I replaced that in 2017 with a 2013 Harley Davidson Sportster Custom XL1200C, I bought a second HD in 2019 with a 2016 Dyna Street Bob TC103 (sold in 2020) and kept the Sportster. Owner two bikes where not for me. Anyways long story short this past November I bought a 2020 Ducati Multistrada 950S. I have been pondering adv-bikes the last two / three years for the versatility and do it all purpose.
Danny’s experience should be a lesson to anyone who is considering their first motorcycle purchase. Contemplate what use you require from the motorcycle, then have a decent test ride. Do not compromise. I’m not certain that even now Danny has the best bike for his purpose, but I guess only he can answer that one. It just goes to show that if an intelligent, sensible guy like Danny can get it wrong at first, then anyone can.
Very well said, Dave- spot on🙂👌🏻
Very Interesting Indeed! I like this style of interviewing and discussions, thank you Freddie and Danny! KTM are masters of well sorted bikes.
Delighted you enjoyed it, thank you!🙂
If I wasn't clear in my mind, this particularly video just set it off! Great and honestly video from Danny. Super clear and easy to understand. Thanks Freddie for the time you spend with those amazing reviews you make. Cheers and a Happy new year to everyone, best regards from Lisbon, Portugal.
Delighted you found the video useful Vitor! Happy New Year!🙂🎉
Adventure bikes are brilliant, I am on my 6th BMW GS since 2005, currently a 2021 BMW 1250 GS TE - I also have a 2017 matte black Triumph Thruxton 1200 R in the garage because it is the best 'feel good' bike ever. The bikes are polar opposites, but that is what is so great about motorcycles.
Just about to post something similar when I saw this - I too have a GS & a Thruxton. The perfect combination & personal answer to ‘the quandary’. Can’t tell you which is my favourite as both so different. I do realise what a lucky man I am, but if you can afford it, do it! Biker heaven.
Hey Freddie. Just so happens I have 2022 Street Twin AND a 2021 Tiger 900. Love them both and they are a great pair of bikes to own and choose from given the purpose of the ride and my preference for the day.
This is a perfect pair- it’d be pretty close to my idea of a dream🖤🏍🏍👌🏻👌🏻
Thanks Freddie and thanks to Danny too. I’m wrestling with GS ownership and yearning for something more traditional. Practically though, the GS is my KTM, I can ride in whatever and not worry about the upkeep.. happy new year all, ride safe and support your local blood bike group.
Thank you Andi and Happy New Year!🙂
Congratulations for this video! It truly is the great battle between having the soul of the classics and the comfort, versatility and technology of the adventures. Have a great year 🤘🏼
Really glad you enjoyed it and Happy NY, Juan!🙂
@@FreddieDobbs thanks! For you and your family too. All the best💪🏼
I used to have three bikes in the garage, then two with one of them being a winter hack but now I'm down to one that does everything I use a bike for.
I completely understand where Danny is coming from. I had a 2021 KTM 1290 SAS up until a couple of months ago and absolutely loved it. The only downside, and this is personal to me, is that with a 29" inseam and being into moto camping, as soon as I got on uneven ground the height and weight of the bike conspired against me. Now missing the KTM whilst enjoying my F750GS. Hope 2023 is a good year for you and Monica.
Thank you Steve, Happy New Year!🙂🎉
Same here. I love the look and capability of the KTM 1290SA but being a shortie they are a no-no. I don't think KTM does a low seat version. BMW does one for it's 1250GS, but I really don't want a GS.
Great video guys, thank you. I’m currently facing this dilemma with an R Nine T that I love but miss the wanting to stay on the bike all day and travel far and wide. Decision made, its an Adventure bike in 2023 👍
Attend the Adventure Bike Rider Festival at Ragley Hall in June..it’s fab and you’ll see lots of other like minded riders too.
A good discussion. There is no wrong bike, because there is the right bike for everyone. The passion and spirit of motorcycling unites us motorcyclists. Happy New Year and good and safe rides 2023.
Absolutely 100%🏍🏍🏍🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼 Happy New Year!
Great video Freddie and Happy New Year!
Between you and Danny, that was an eloquent presentation about why, for many, functional rideability wins out over cool styling. As I recall, Danny didn't say anything negative about the Softail, only that when the 2019 KTM was alongside, he rode out the KTM far more often.
Out of interest, what was Danny's reason for carrying a second helmet?
Greetings from down under. Looking forward with great enthusiasm to all your adventures this year. You,ve both kept me wonderfully entertained during 2022. Hoping you have a lovely 2023. Thankyou.
Thank you so much, Keith! Sending all my very best to you down under and thank you for the support🙂🇦🇺👋
Nice comparison of the two bikes and it shows how each bike is down to requirements of rider. But noone is going to take a second glance at the KTM on the road. I like that people look at and comment on my Bonnie! 😁
Excellent video Freddie. Great insight into an owner's thoughts about his adventure bike. Thanks Danny. It would have been interesting to hear whether Danny would be prepared to take his pride of joy off road, to get the full experience!! Happy New Year to you and Monica. Take care.
A very fun point to consider; I would love to do a Bonneville vs KTM off roading competition, so I’ll see Danny’s thoughts😀🤘🏼🏍🏍
One of your best videos
Thank you!🙂🙌🏻
I'm glad he found his motorcycle category !
But for me , if I want to be cocooned and sheltered from the weather , and ride in comfort , I'll take the car. I myself have done 7 hour rides on my SV 650 and the comfort was okay I guess , I didn't care much about it , I was thinking about hitting the next corner . But maby that will change with age , I'm only 23 .
Also, happy new year :)
Great to hear your thoughts and Happy New Year!🙂
Hi I sold my 2020 HD Street Glide Special 114ci and bought a HD Pan America Special 1250S for exactly the reasons Danny stated,the adventure bike soaks up everything that is thrown at it and then some. Thanks for the great vids keep up the good work.
You are actually a very good interviewer Freddie, I think you should do a bit more of that here and there 👍
This was a great video and shows a struggle many of us have. But you know what, it's actually fairly simple to answer. What do you value more, the comfort or the genuine adventure? And do you have enough ££ for 2 bikes (not many of us do!)
I disagree with James on the last point, the bike is 100% part of the journey for me. They are inextricably linked.
I commute to London from the South Coast 1-2 times a week, 2hrs each way on my RE Classic 500 EFI.
Do i get soaked? Yes. Does it rattle my bones? Yes. But.. when summer hits there is no other way I want to travel than through the South downs on a Royal Enfield. Many of our lives are too comfortable.. from desk chair to the sofa, I don't want to ride a sofa with sports mode in-between even if the ol'twig and berries get a little chilly during the winter rides..
To help me in the winter I installed some hot grips, a USB charger, some Himyalian Wind Hand guards, some heated socks, some thermals and a dry suit.
I stay dry and warm (ish 😆) now..but most importantly my soul is kept alive. And, I have become an infinitely better rider from having to ride in all seasons, all weathers knowing the only thing I can rely on is the sound and feel of the bike.
Keep the great content coming ✌️🤍
Happy New Year Modern Classic Adventurero.
Happy New Year!🙂
Interestingly, I followed a similar path modern classic, to cruiser, to ADV- but ultimately went back to a cruiser from an ADV, because I missed that sense of style and character.
Happy New Year Freddie. I know a couple of Blood Bikers in the North West (Blackpool area). Great video and nicely informative as usual. Danny seems a decent guy and I hope he makes more appearances on your channel.
I agree about bikers swapping machines far more often that car owners..
In the past 7 years I have owned 13 bikes (including 3 BMW 1200GS’s)..
I have now settled back onto a 2008 Suzuki GSX1400 FE (Final Edition).
Its my favourite all round bike..
Keep up the good work on your channel
Best wishes,
S.
Happy New Year Simon!🙂 This is something I haven’t heard too much; leaving GS ownership. Great to hear of your experience, thank you🙌🏻
Good morning and happy new year, I've only recently become a viewer to your channel (sorry, but better late than never) and I have to say it's excellent (actually it was a comment by TMF who put me on to you). As a rider with many many years of experience I wouldn't normally recommend that a relatively new rider have such big bikes straight away but Danny is obviously a sensible logical chap who is gaining massive experience every day so he'll be fine, anyway great vlog, I shall now hunt out more of your stuff.
Delighted you found the channel David! That is extremely kind of TMF to mention me- I owe him🙂
😊fast forward 5 years Freddie is in a nice Skoda Superb going Wow! What a revelation! I’m warm and dry! 🤣happy new year! 👌
🤣🤣
Happy New Year!🎉🎉
I have been riding an Africa Twin for the last two years. It's good, reliable etc. Yesterday I rode for the first time after a decade my Ducati ST2, only 40 kilometers but packed with grinning, joy and emotions.
What a pair to own! I can imagine the Ducati is quite an experience🇮🇹❤️🏍
Great video Freddie, an interesting conundrum when you have different needs, and different requirements that can change your perspective and inform your choices of bike
I came from H-D's, my previous being a Streetglide from which I moved to a Pan American. Having finally rejected the PA, I chose the KTM1290SAS and haven't regretted it for one moment. IN my 50+ years of bike riding in one form and another including professionally, it is simply the best bike I have owned and enjoyed in equal measure. I suspect it could be a keeper until the day I hang my boots up......
Same here Phil! Such a perfect bike. So I wasn’t the only one moving away from HD to KTM 😅
Fascinating to hear how highly you rate it with the experience you have, thank you Phil!
Happy New Year to you and Monika Freddie. Thanks also to Danny for sharing his journey. Having owned and ridden all sorts of bikes over the years (sports bikes Classic Z1000s and 900s, old Meriden Triumphs. I'm now riding a Triumph 2010 Scrambler. So not so different from your 2010 Bonneville. Ultimately, these days I prefer the simplicity and the sheer, basic pleasure of a modern classic, riding with my wife Els on her 2012 T100 Bonneville. The problem with motorcyles is that there will always be something different / better out there. Freddie, you seem so at home on your Bonneville. Please don't give up on it too lightly. I think you may regret it...
Thank you John, I love my Bonneville even more now than when I first bought it and I now have no plans to sell❤️🏍🙂
Sending you all my very best!
Personally if it's on two wheels then it's cool, sometimes it's more about the ride/journey than the transport itself 👍
HAPPY NEW YEAR , Freddie .
Happy New Year!😀🎉🎉🎉🎉
Nice one Freddie....
I've got a 2019 Multistrada 1260, and a 2006 triumph scrambler with carbs. I ride the bike I'm in the mood for that day depending on the destination and who I'm riding with. The scrambler is very much a day out on my own with no schedule to keep type bike. It stirs the soul.
The Multi is just a Fantastic modern machine that gets the job done.
Lucky to have both in the garage :-)
This is just about a dream garage!
I have the 1290 super adventure S 2019 model, best bike ever and I use it daily to commute. Best bike ever..
Great to hear from another 1290 Super Adv owner! For the brief time I ride it, I was seriously impressed!💪🏼💪🏼
@@FreddieDobbs it really is the best all round bike. I do love cruisers and I have an older 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero (Harley killer) that I use if I want to take my wife cruising. But 90 percent of the time I use the KTM .
Happy New Year! Danny seems like a good guy
Happy New Year Jim! Danny was a natural🙂
Another great video Freddie and some excellent questions from you. I can see you buying an adventure bike after this.
Delighted you enjoyed it! I see the appeal and now I genuinely am a little step closer to considering one🙂
This really depends on your riding style. I started on dirt bikes in my pre-teens to mid teens, went to 4 cyl Honda street bikes (CB750), the to into sport bikes from 20's until mid 40's, went to Adventure bikes 1000cc up, went to a Road King Harley in my late 50's (Hated it) and now @ 61 back to a KTM 1290GT which I absolutely love. and a Beta 500rrs for dirt which is also fabulous. I think this combo is my happy place 😀
Thanks for your videos 📹, my husband and I love your RUclips channel and watch every episode. My husband has had bikes since the 70ties and I have been pillion on many trips including route 66 and north west 500, nothing like a bike trip. Even for a coffee ☕️. We wish yourself and Monika a happy and healthy New year ✨️ 😊
Thank you both for watching the videos, Debra🙂 You’ve listed two of my dream biking trips here- I must do the NC500 this year!
Happy New Year to you both!🥂
All bikes offer an adventure and freedom,it’s just that some want the sophistication of it some don’t,happy New Year to you and Monika❤️❤️🏴
Absolutely, and Happy NY Gerry!🙂🎉
This became a more interesting video than i thought because it touches on most of our dilemmas! the cool vs the use! In my case, i dream on start biking, as much as i dream having a bonnie, inside me comes that side, if i even like it or its what i eventually like ride on...
Great vid Fred as someone who is 6.1 I tried many new bikes but just couldn't find them comfortable.so in the end I went for a gs1200.And I don't regret one minute of it.
This was brilliant guys. Happy new year!! Bikes are horses for courses. And some cool-looking soul bikes look great until you see people sitting on them. And riding them. Just buy the bike that works for you, no matter the size, style, or make.
Happy New Year, and very well said!🙂👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Hi Freddie, thanks for the great content you're doing a top job!
I have a KTM Super Adventure (2017) which I absolutely adore as I ride all year round and its my everything vehicle. I'm actually thinking of adding a Royal Enfield or Triumph Street twin to my garage this year, as I want something simpler for sunny days out.
Like your friend, I don't thi k I could give up the supreme comfort and power of the KTM, but at the same time I don't look down on objectively 'lesser' bikes at all.
To me, ALL bikes offer unique experiences, and isn't it wonderful that as bikers, our 'dream' bikes are only ever a few grand away? Amazing.
This is a big part of the magic of biking- even dream level bikes are within touching distance. It’s attainable for the masses🙂 Happy NY!
Great video Freddy! Given the history of that area and the many fine young men who didn't make it home to the airfield during WW2, I was fascinated by that eerie green light that materialized from behind Danny's rear wheel. Have a look from about the 13:40 mark. I reckon there just may have been a young bloke from 1942 who was keen to hang out with a couple of motorcyclists!🙂
Monika and I noticed this- we’ve never seen a light like this before and we could not explain what it was! This light showed itself only at this specific period all day and has not appeared since on any filming we’ve done😳
There's so many types of bikes for lots of different bikers. There is another one out there for you Freddie or maybe two, or three ..................... You could possibly keep your Bonneville as I hope you don't mind me saying there is probably not a lot of value in it and it is probably worth more to you then some one else although I might be wrong.
Thanks for making this video and to Danny for sharing his thoughts so candidly on his relatively new biking journey. I did initially have concerns for him riding such a powerful bike as the KTM 1290SA so soon after passing his test but he seems like a very sensible down to earth guy. Good luck to him. Enjoy it.
I was looking at and sitting on a very comfortable Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro at a Triumph dealer just before Christmas wondering if I should trade in my Speed Triple RS which I love, for the Tiger? Those that ride them aren't wrong!
Happy New Year to you and Monica.
You’re absolutely right, Alex- there is very little value left in my Bonneville (it’s a weirdly liberating feeling!).
The Tiger 900 GT Pro; I hear only superb stuff about this bike!
Happy NY, Alex😀🎉
Freddie happy new year! This video spoke to my heart. Chris went through the same bike types I did and ended up on the one that I ordered for 2023. The KTM is amazing all rounder and brings a smile all the time. I thought I was the only one that sold an HD to buy a KTM. I can’t agree more, the KTM is the perfect bike for us tall riders. Now time to lose my additional weight and get one more HD to admire in the garage 😂
Happy New Year! I’m genuinely now a big step towards really appreciating how good Adv bikes are!🙂
I had a similar journey. Learnt to ride during 2020 after lockdown. I bought as a first bike a new Indian FTR1200S which now seems insane to me, but thankfully, it all worked out ok! However, the range of 100 miles just wasn't enough and it had virtually no capacity for carrying luggage. So this year I test rode a few adventure bikes and bought the new Tiger 1200 GT Explorer and I use it all the time because it's just so fast and versatile. However, I couldn't bear to part with the FTR because it's so bonkers and looks amazing, so I kept that. The Indian is now the bike I take out for a blast and the Triumph does everything else. Roll on spring.
What a pair!!🖤🖤 The range in the FTR is tiny (I didn’t know this)😳
Here’s to a fantastic year’s riding!😀🤘🏼
Yes, the real tank is under the seat and is tiny!
Thanks for all your (and Monicas!) hard work, the Missus and I love your vids. If you want to review an FTR or a new Tiger and can get to Kent you'd be more than welcome to borrow for a couple of days.
Happy New Year Freddieand Monica a very interesting episode with Danny . The story couldn’t be more true to my own experience . I’ve come from a Bonneville street scrambler to a Tiger 900 . This adventure bike has given me so much more riding skills and ventures to participate . I appreciate every rider has different appreciations . I miss the Bonneville and it’s rewards but would have to be a second bike now in the garage .
Hope to see you with Danny again exchanging experiences .
Happy New Year, Paul!🙂 Great to hear your journey to a Tiger (a few others have done similar; a modern classic to a Tiger👌🏻)
Yip practicality kicks in all weather riding comfort power it’s all there, you want to use your bike all year round
Very interesting.
To each their own.
I think we all go through our own motorcycle journey and end ip in our own place.
For me it's about low speed low tech big mile travel. I need to be able to fix it if it ever breaks and take it wherever I want.
But that's just me. Ride your own dream.
If you've never been I can heartily recommend the Norfolk and Suffolk aviation museum. It's an amazing place.
Happy New year and happy, safe travels 👍
Very well said and thank you for the tip on the museum- I’ve never heard of it before🙂
Happy New Year!
Danny said it best with the adventure comes from the ride, not the bike you're riding.
After 13 years of riding my FZ6 I decided it was time for a new bike. I use my motorcycle for primary year round transportation and really wanted to go with a standard modern classic since it was the style of bike I always loved. After 2 years of hard research and soul searching I ended up getting a Suzuki DR650 set up for adventure touring, 😆.
The DR still has an old school feel, is simple to maintain like a classic and is just way better for all the things I use a motorcycle for. It does lack the everyone look at you cool factor though 😆. It takes me on great adventures to places I would never have felt comfortable taking a modern classic. Keep in mind this is coming from someone that lives in the Western US where there is lots of back country to explore.
HAPPY NEW YEAR , to all who watch this , 1st of the 1st , here 😉
Happy New Year and first; surely this must be a good omen for the year to come!🙂🎉
Another great video, Freddie, you summed up the adventure bike genre perfectly they really are a do it all bike!
Really glad you enjoyed it Lynda🙂
Great episode and topic to start 2023! Happy new year!!
Really glad you enjoyed it and Happy New Year!
Hi Freddie iv got a BMW R1250gsa and I wear the same styling clothes you have the vintage look, noce jeans, gloves and jackets and it looks great on the bike. You can ride an adventure bike and ride stylish clothes at the same time. I agree with all Danny comments I started with a T120 bonneville loved it but I'd never go back now unless as Danny said it would one day be an addition.
I’m fortunate enough to have a 2017 T100 and a 2021 Tiger 900 GT Pro, I love both bikes but for different reasons (I came to the Tiger from a 2019 BMW R1250 GS). Several times a year a take myself off on a tour somewhere, recently it was to Cumbria and it rained everyday, at the time I had the BMW and it was that trip that I realised, for me the GS is just to big. I love the the Bonneville for those Sunday rides with friends who seldom reach the National speed limits. Although, it is a fully equipped Bonneville, with luxuries like heated grips and Cruise Control. 😊
Excellent New Year video to start 2023
Thanks Dean🙌🏻🙌🏻
@@FreddieDobbs your welcome and i am looking forward to see what you produce in 2023 :)
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you & Monica.
(Also - loving my Christmas Present: Ride & Sons jacket from your mates at XL Moto - wasn't really aware of them till you started on about them 😉
Thanks Duncan and Happy NY!🙂
Really glad you like the jacket- the value and style is seriously impressive🔥🔥
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!
Happy New Year!🙂
Happy New year from Norway. 🥳
Happy NY Erik!🙂
Love the content. Do more of this
Best wishes and a happy new year Freddy and Monica ❤️ thank you for your wonderful vidoes its so much appreciated, so please keep it going, greetings from the Netherlands ❤️❤️🙏
Thank you so much and Happy New Year!🙂🇳🇱
Music, old amplifier, Dolby atmos, really good examples. Am also in same boat as Danny. Instead of adjusting to a motorcycle i always wanted to get one which suits me. Now holding the ground with honda CB500X it almost tick ever box. Happy New Year. 😊
A very good point re adjusting to fit a bike vs buying a bike that actually fits one’s requirements. Happy New Year!🙂
Hi Freddie! Jason Andrewes here from Alberta Canada. Really enjoy your quality content. 2 days ago I just bought a 2022 T100 goldline!!!! Happy new year to you and Monika.
Hello Jason!🙂👋🇨🇦 Oh wow- this is dream bike level! Massive congrats on your new bike!🏍🤘🏼
@@FreddieDobbs thanks buddy, you were a part of the reason I went for it